If there is one building in Indiana that visibly embodies the meaning and symbolism our ancient Craft, it is the Scottish Rite Cathedral. Prominently situated in downtown Indianapolis, the Cathedral stand as a beacon for the people of central Indiana the Freemasonry is alive and well among them. The loss of the Cathedral - by whatever means - would be a devastating loss to the Indiana Freemasons.

Here is a Cathedral built to exemplify Masonry - where morals, virtue, and good citizenship are taught and required. Examples from both ancient and contemporary experience exemplify time-honored messages of peace and goodwill. These are portrayed in beautifully staged plays of instruction - or degrees - that exhibit moral truths which can benefit anyone, and where history's greatest role models are offered as examples of wisdom and strength. Individual moral growth and fellowship are the focus of Scottish Rite Freemasonry and the purpose of this building.

In this Cathedral a man is made to realize as never before that he is a Mason, a member of that great and noble institution if Freemasonry, that in every age and generation, has provided the leadership which has guided mankind on the long and painful journey from slavery to liberty, from ignorance, to knowledge, and from despair to hope.

One of the most beautiful buildings in the world, the Scottish Rite Cathedral is a Tudor period Gothic structure that is replete with Masonic symbolism. Brilliantly colored art glass windows, richly carved woodwork, and ornately patterned ceilings combine to form an opulent blend of Masonic symbolism and supreme artistry.

The symbolic essence of the Cathedral is exemplified by the exacting dimensions incorporated throughout the building's design. Inspired by Christ's time on earth, as well as the thirty-three degrees of Scottish Rite Masonry, the architect drafted a plan of using basic measurement of thirty-three feet of multiples thereof.

Many of the spectacular windows adorning the interior of the Cathedral signify the meaningful precepts of the Scottish Rite and Freemasonry and illuminate the tenet shared by all Masons; a belief in one Supreme Being.

At the eastern and southern entrances to the Cathedral, masterfully hand-wrought bronze medallions are set into travertine marble floors. The detailed ornamentation of these embellished centerpieces display the 12 signs of the zodiac and the four principal degrees of Scottish Rite. Together they represent the universality of the fraternity.

The dominate feature of the exterior is the 'Singing Tower,' a pillar of architectural symmetry which rises 212 feet above the sidewalk level and contains the carillon. It consists of 54 bells weighing 56,372 pounds, making it one of the largest carillons in the United States.

The top of the tower is ornamented with twelve fleur-de-lis which from the side walk appear to be passion crosses. The fore lobes of these fleur-de-lis extend to the North, South, East and West, symbolize the universality of Masonry.

At the base of the tower, above the east entrance doors, is carved more Masonic symbolism. A stone carving over the main entrance depicts the three ruffians from Masonic lore who attempted to steal the plans from the Hiram, King of Tyre, grand architect of King Solomon's Temple. Other stone carvings depict Scottish Rite. Its motto, "Spes Meo In Deo Est" (Our faith is in God), is carved in the limestone above the doors.

Inside, images of renaissance grandeur are evoked in the exquisite dÈcor of the Cathedrals two-story ballroom with its surrounding balcony. An adjourning auditorium seats 1,100 persons and is unsurpassed in its gothic architecture and dÈcor, art glass windows, and decorative emblems conveying significant symbols of Masonry. Every detail reflects the brilliant workmanship of meticulous craftsmen.

Obviously we cannot predict what the Scottish Rite Cathedral will look like a half century from now. But if we want to make sure the Cathedral remains in Masonic hands and one of these other safeguard its future, and that does not mean taking out another insurance policy. Or does it? Perhaps that insurance policy will be in the form of an endowment fund in which the principal is invested and spins off earnings each year which will be used to maintain and preserve the Cathedral. Rather than worry about having the money to support future maintenance needs, the trustees of the Cathedral would be able to guarantee fund are available for a planned program of preservation.

This endowment or maintenance fund is incorporated in the mission of the Scottish Rite Cathedral Foundation. The Foundation was founded in 1984 to preserve and maintain the exterior of the Cathedral, its grounds, and its major mechanical and electrical systems. It is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization as defined by the Internal Revenue Service, and all gifts can be tax deductible.

The Foundation guarantees funds will be available to maintain and preserve the Cathedral. It is also enables supportive brothers and friends to make the tax-deductible contributions to insure that the generations of Americans who come after us will enjoy this Monument to Freemasonry.

The Scottish Rite Cathedral Foundation was established to assist Masons and their friends in channeling contributions to preserve the Cathedral, and there are literally hundreds of ways it can be done. Whether through a gift of cash or a carefully crafted bequest, annuity, or trust, a benefactor can include the Scottish Rite Cathedral Foundation in an estate plan while providing a greater legacy to the survivors and avoiding significant government income and estate taxes.

These are usually cash gifts in the form of checks, drafts, and money orders to the Scottish Rite Cathedral Foundation. If mailed before the end of the year, they will enable those who itemize to take an income tax deduction for that year. Gifts of cash are deductible for up to 50% of the donor's adjusted gross income. Cash distributions in excess of the deduction limitations may be carried over and deducted in the five tax years following the gift.

This is a very simple and uncomplicated way to direct your assets upon your death. A bequeath may be for a specific sum, a percentage, or the residue of an estate and may consist of cash, securities, life insurance proceeds, real estate and-or personal property. A bequest may be made through a will or a living trust and should be directed to the "Scottish Rite Cathedral Foundation, a not-for-profit corporation in Indianapolis, Indiana." To include the Scottish Rite Cathedral Foundation in your will, please contact your attorney to be sure your wishes are carried out as you intend. Foundation officers will be happy to assist you and your legal counsel with the proper wording of your bequest.

These trusts provide income - either a percentage or a specified amount - to the Scottish Rite Cathedral Foundation for a specific number of years. At the end of this period, the principle is returned to the donor or others who the donor has designated. The tax advantages of this kind of trust should be explained by your attorney or accountant.

This is a contract between a donor and the Scottish Rite Cathedral Foundation that guarantees the donor (and/or another beneficiary) regular, partially tax-free fixed income payments for life in exchange for the irrevocable donation of an asset. A donor may specify whether he or she wants an immediate annuity, with payment to begin not later than one year from the date of the gift, or a deferred gift annuity, from which payments are not to begin until a specified future date.

This trust is an agreement between a donor and the Scottish Rite Cathedral Foundation in return for the irrevocable transfer of cash or property whereby a certain percentage or amount of the annual income from the property is paid to the beneficiaries for a specified term of years. The remainder interest in the property would then pass to the Cathedral Foundation. The donor would be entitled to a federal tax income deduction for the value of that charitable remainder interest which is based on the number and ages of life income beneficiaries and the percentage of payout agreed upon. Your attorney or accountant can explain the many tax advantages of this trust.

Each of us has had the opportunity to help insure the preservation of the Cathedral through investing in the Scottish Rite Cathedral Foundation. Whether contributing money or such valuable property as jewelry, works of art, coin collections, antiques, appreciated securities, or real estate, your contribution can yield both income tax savings. There are literally hundreds of ways you can help the Cathedral Foundation will you are structuring your estate to care for your family. If you are interested, contact us, and we can explore how it can be done.

It is remarkable that the Scottish Rite Cathedral was constructed and financed by a Scottish Rite membership that in the 1920's was much smaller than the current roster. its leaders and members certainly had the vision and courage. To understand this, you have to know something about the history of the Valley and how the vision of the Cathedral was conceived and shaped.

All four bodies of the Valley of Indianapolis were charted on May 19, 1865, by the Supreme Commander, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. In its first 20 years, they governed in rented quarters on the northeast corner of Meridian and Washington Streets.

As the membership grew, new quarters were leased on the southwest corner of Delaware and Market Streets, and in 1883 the Valley moved to 29-35 S. Pennsylvania in the only building at that time in the United States devoted to Scottish Rite work. But it was destroyed by a fire in 1894.

Two years later the restored Scottish Rite Temple was reopened. Membership continued to mount and topped 3,000 in 1906. Finances were handled adroitly, and that same year the Valley's magnificent home was "absolutely free and clear."

Membership topped 4,00 in 1913 and doubled in 1921, when a monument to build a new home for the Valley of Indianapolis gained momentum. Land on the northwest corner of Meridian and North Streets was purchased, and enthusiasm surged for a new home. The entry of the United States in World War I in 1917 required a paused in the building construction activities. Members of the Valley later reaffirmed the choice of site, and in 1924 George T. Schrieber, an Indianapolis architect and member of the Scottish Rite, was selected to design this superb structure. The plans were perfected, approved by the building committee, and ground was broken on May 3, 1927.

For the next two and a half years construction progressed with care and dispatch until, February 26, 1929, the last stone of the exterior was set in place at the top of the tower. Dedication ceremonies were held September 10, 1929. Cost of the Cathedral was $2,500,000. Once the exterior work was completed, work continued on the interior. Many gifts and memorials were bestowed on the Valley, as the library, carillon, pipe organ, windows, and other items were purchased as gifts.

Thus on the eve of the Great Depression the present home of the Valley of Indianapolis began to the Rite. But as with so many organizations, the Great Depression played havoc with the Valley's finances. After considerable financial maneuvering though, all debts and outstanding stock were finally paid and for the second time in history, the Valley of Indianapolis had a beautiful home of its own, a Cathedral of magnificent proportions, free and clear.

The Cathedral today is a center for social, business, and educational programming. The Valley conducts a full schedule of activities for its members and the community. It has become a resource for residents throughout central Indiana and has been the site of hundreds of celebrations and public events for a broad section of community and civic groups, cultural organizations and individuals.

Within the past year, for instance, about 100,000 persons entered the doors of the Cathedral for programs, tours, and scheduled activities.

During the past few years, the Cathedral has been host to various private and public functions such as weddings and receptions, meetings and performing arts programs. Included were the:

International Violin Competition Awards Program,

International School of Ballet performances,

NFL Alumni Association Player of the Year Awards,

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Classical Christmas Concerts,

Komen Pink Tie Ball,

and Indiana University School of Medicine Dinner.

The Rotary Club of Indianapolis meets in the Cathedral every week and hundreds of guests eat lunch in the Double Eagle Cafe each week including members of the Optimists, Sertoma Club, Kiwanis, Sojourners, retired FBI agents, and the NARFE.

The Cathedral is also open for tours five days a week plus the third Saturday of each month.. Annually an average of more than 8,000 guests are escorted by the Valley's Tour Committee.

But the Scottish Rite's direct support of the Community is not limited to activities in the Cathedral. For more than 10 years members of the Valley have reached out to support community philanthropies. While the Indiana University Medical Center has been the primary recipient of this largess, many other community service organizations have benefited.

The Scottish Rite supports Children's Dyslexia Centers including one located in the Indianapolis Cathedral. These centers provide professional treatment - free of charge - to children with dyslexia, a learning disability. The initiative is part of a 15-state program committed to providing free services and proven teaching methods to assist children with dyslexia.

The Valley of Indianapolis today stands at a crossroads in its history. It is imperative that every effort be extended to insure the preservation of the Scottish Rite Cathedral as a community resource and a Masonic landmark. Freemasons from throughout Indiana and around the world now have the opportunity to preserve a building that embodies the imagery and symbolism of the greatest force for good in the world.

The Scottish Rite owes its loyalty to the fundamental purpose and principles of Freemasonry that are expressed in this quest: "to be made better than ourselves." It seeks to strengthen the community. It believes that each man should act in civil life according to his individual judgment and the dictates of his conscience. This is the story of a Cathedral built to serve this meaning of Masonry.

The Scottish Rite Cathedral is a remarkable architectural achievement that stands as a valued treasure and permanent legacy to the people of Indianapolis. Ongoing restoration and maintenance of such a landmark is a costly undertaking.